Memory is essentially the capacity for storing and retrieving information. Three processes are involved in memory: encoding, storage, and retrieval. All three of these processes determine whether something is remembered or forgotten.

We unconsciously and automatically encode incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency. We also register well-learned information, such as words in our native language, by this form of processing. Which memory process generally requires attention?

There are two components of long-term memory: explicit and implicit. Explicit memory includes episodic and semantic memory. Implicit memory includes procedural memory and things learned through conditioning. Procedural memory is a type of implicit memory: it stores information about how to do things.

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells.

Examples of long term memory include recollection of an important day in the distant past (early birthday, graduation, wedding, etc), and work skills you learned in your first job out of school.

What are the symptoms of long-term memory loss?

• mixing up words, such as calling a table a bed.
• forgetting common words.
• getting lost in familiar places.
• taking longer to do familiar tasks.
• mood and behavior changes, such as increased irritability.

Behavioral neurologists specialize in cognitive problems such as memory loss, and are very good at detecting subtle brain injuries such as a small stroke or an infection that may be causing the memory problems. They also conduct very thorough neurological and cognitive exams.

Diagnosing Memory Loss

1. Types of Memory Loss. Mild cognitive impairment is categorized by doctors as amnestic or nonamnestic.
2. Neurological Evaluation.
3. Cognitive Evaluation.
4. Neuropsychological Evaluation.
5. Psychometric Testing.
6. MRI Scan.
7. PET Scan.

What are the symptoms of short-term memory loss? In general, short-term memory loss involves forgetting recent things. This can lead to: asking the same questions repeatedly.

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1. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain.
2. Stay mentally active.
3. Socialize regularly.
4. Get organized.
5. Sleep well.
6. Eat a healthy diet.
7. Manage chronic conditions.

A lack of oxygen to the brain can affect short-term memory. Alcohol and drug abuse, concussions and other trauma to the head can impact short-term memory. Medical conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, heart bypass surgery and depression can also impact short-term memory.

In general, when anyone refers to memory loss (formally known as amnesia), they are actually talking about long-term memory. So, cognitive psychologists divide memory into the first 15-30 seconds, and they call this short-term memory, and alllllll the rest of memory that lasts beyond 30 seconds is long-term memory.